Final Score: Hartwick 28, Wilkes 24
 
Venue: Wilkes-Barre, PA – Ralston Athletic Complex – Schmidt Stadium
 
Records: Hartwick (1-0); Wilkes (0-1)
 
Recap: Hartwick defeated Wilkes on the road 28-24 in its season opener on Saturday in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The Hawks led 14-0 after two touchdown passes from quarterback Bryce Macina (Syracuse, NY/Onondaga Central) to Dylan Mucci (Cortlandt Manor, NY/Iona Prep) before the Colonels struck twice in the final 2:44 of the half to tie the game up at 14-all. Two of Ronald Ballard's (Deposit, NY/Deposit) game-high 173 rushing yards led to a go-ahead touchdown for the Hawks midway through the third quarter. Wilkes came back 1:44 later to even the score at 21 before an early fourth-quarter hookup from Macina to Connor Darmetko (Menands, NY/Wayervliet) for a 68-yard touchdown reception would put the Hawks up to stay. The Colonels pulled within four on a field goal with 6:44 remaining but the Hawks maintained the ball the rest of the way. 'Wick would convert on three third downs on their final possession to secure the win.
 
Game Notes:

• The Hawks outgained the Colonels in total offense 407 to 298.
• Macina finished the game with 227 passing yards and three touchdowns.
• Darmetko caught four passes to tie for a game-high with 103 reception yards.
• Mark Hackett (Hoosick Falls, NY/Hoosick Falls) led all Hawks with 11 tackles. Josh Wilcox (Ithaca, NY/Candor) contributed nine hits.
• Today was just the second meeting between the two schools. The only other occurred in 1948, which Wilkes won by a 14-6 decision.

 
Up Next: Hartwick hosts Alfred State on Saturday, September 8 at Wright Stadium. Game time is 5 p.m.